CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and Honeywell announced the kickoff of a 12-year project designed to reduce energy consumption at 18 housing authority sites while substantially decreasing emissions.

The project involves energy-and water-saving retrofits - performed under a $10 million energy savings performance contract between CHA and Honeywell - expected to generate steady-state savings of more than $1.25 million per year for the CHA and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Under the contract, Honeywell will install energy-efficient lighting and programmable thermostats for residents and common areas, and replace electric-resistance wall heaters with high-efficiency heat pumps in some units. Technicians also will install low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption, among other improvements.

Honeywell guarantees that the energy and water savings will completely fund the upgrades and will not change the CHA operating budgets.

"The performance contract provides an infusion of capital funds for improvements and helps save taxpayer dollars," said Matt Powell, executive director of the CHA.

The amount of electricity saved could power more than 1,000 homes on average per year. In addition, the reduction in carbon dioxide is equivalent to taking 1,400 cars off the road.

"The CHA is taking a proactive approach to managing energy use and protecting the environment," said Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Building Solutions.

"As energy prices continue to rise, more local, state, and federal organizations will follow its lead. Performance contracts provide a financially viable means to fund these projects, while creating more comfortable, environmentally friendly places to live."

- compiled by Kyle Gargaro

Publication date: 06/20/2005